Honoring one of Laguna Beach's finest

IRVINE Before a crowd of about a thousand mourners, his friends and loved ones agreed that Officer Jon Coutchie wouldn't have liked anyone to make such a fuss.

The Laguna Beach police officer who died Sept. 21 never sought recognition for his service in the department or previously as an Army Ranger.

“I'm not sure he would want all this attention or tears,” said Tara Young, his girlfriend. “He deserved every bit of it.”

The service Friday drew representatives of law enforcement agencies from around the state to Mariners Church in Irvine to honor the 41-year-old motorcycle officer who died in a collision as he responded to a report of a speeding driver. It was the first death in the line of duty in 60 years for the small, tight-knit Laguna Beach Police Department.

A procession of police vehicles, including many fellow motorcycle officers, escorted the hearse from a mortuary in Laguna Beach to the church. Music from the Orange County Fire Authority's Pipes and Drums led the flag-draped casket inside, followed by family and members of the department.

In addition to local officials, state Attorney General Kamala Harris attended to offer support to his family on behalf of law enforcement around the state.

“The state of California is a better place because of Jon Coutchie,” she said. “Thank you for supporting his calling.”

He didn't become a police officer until 2009, but as far back as high school, his friends said he stood out for being tough, loyal and fearless. He wrestled and played water polo, and after graduating from Laguna Hills High School, he went on to work as a mechanic and in a grocery store.

A turning point for him came Sept. 11, 2001.

“He was a good man,” Workman said. “He resolved he would not stand by and do nothing.”

He found his place in the Army Rangers, a move that left friends proud and not surprised; he'd always pushed himself to be the best. He served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, returning to Orange County after an honorable discharge in 2007.

For putting his life on the line, Coutchie had earned the chance for a quiet future, Workman said. Instead, he chose to continue serving others, becoming a police officer.

“Swearing an oath is a great responsibility,” Workman said. “With great responsibility often comes great risk.”

Others in the department quickly recognized in him a brother. Cpl. David McGill said he didn't know much about Coutchie on his first day training the new officer.

“It took him about 10 minutes to drop his first F-bomb, and I knew I had a friend,” he said.

Fellow officers described his dedication to the job along with his love of playing pranks. He didn't have any use for excuses, but he was also gentle-hearted, they said. He was more of a man of action than words, but when he smiled, it would reach all the way into his eyes, they said.

Coutchie loved to ride – his Ducati was a point of pride – and he jumped at the chance to become a motorcycle officer this year, McGill said.

It was one of many parts of his life cut too short, his girlfriend said. They were in the middle of planning a trip to celebrate their birthdays – to Hawaii, maybe, or Belize.